By Venessa Anthony
Pork, being one of the most widely eaten meats in the world, is loved by many. Unfortunately, there are not too many pork-centric restaurants in Sri Lanka, and the dishes that are available are limited, repeated, and nothing new. Seeing this niche, Pegasus Reef Hotel Wattala jumped on the opportunity and initiated a Pork Night. The annual food festival, with this year’s event scheduled to take place today (16) and tomorrow from 7.00 p.m. onwards will offer a plethora of speciality pork dishes, as well as exciting games and prizes.
The Morning Brunch reached out to Pegasus Reef Hotel General Manager Bernard Silva to learn more about this pork food festival and what guests can expect. Silva highlighted that ever since the inception of this festival, it has become one of Pegasus Reef’s signature events, with many people travelling from all over the country to attend.
“Since pork is hardly focused on in such a manner, this festival was a hit on the first day itself,” he told us. Initially, the food festival that was launched five years ago, was a low-key affair – just a DJ for entertainment, and a few pork options that we all know and love. Silva told us that once they saw how well-received the event was and received compliments from many and questions of when the next would be, they decided to make it an annual event.
Now, the festival has grown and expanded, offering a full night packed with entertainment. Local band Summer Breeze will keep guests entertained, while the hotel’s various partnerships will have diners in high spirits. Silva noted that each year, the festival has been a sold-out event, and is positive that this year too, they will be able to live up to their reputation and give the guests exactly what they want in terms of taste and quality.
Silva also noted that since not everyone likes or eats pork, they’ve added a few more items to their menu of other meat items, as well as a few vegetarian dishes.
“We got told a lot that people want to come with their group of friends, but since some don’t eat pork, they couldn’t join. This year, we added more dishes so everyone can come and indulge in whatever meat or vegetarian dish of their choice,” he explained.
Although there will be other dishes on offer, Silva also highlighted that the focus will be on pork, and will provide a larger range of options. Naming a few dishes, Silva promised the presence of crispy German-style pork knuckle, Thai spicy grilled pork salad, honey-glazed pork ham, black pork curry, coconut lemongrass soup with pork belly, and many more local and international pork-centric dishes. He also promised a delectable range of desserts to accompany the hefty meal you’re about to have.
Silva encouraged guests to come enjoy with them amongst great food, live entertainment, and some fun surprises along the way.
